structural equation modeling

This study aims to examine the structural model of adolescent self-control within the family context, focusing on the contributions of parenting styles, family emotional support, and cognitive flexibility, with rumination as a mediating factor.

Methods and Materials: Using a correlational design, this study targeted a population of adolescents aged 12–18 years attending urban schools in Azarshahr, Iran, in 2023. A sample of 385 adolescents was selected via multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Parenting Styles Questionnaire (Darling & Toyokawa, 1997), Family Emotional Support Scale (Pierce, Sarason, & Sarason, 1991), Cognitive Flexibility Scale (Dennis & Vander Wal, 2010), and Rumination Response Scale (Nolen-Hoeksema & Morrow, 1991). Data analysis was conducted using SmartPLS software, applying structural equation modeling (SEM) to test the hypothesized model.

The findings revealed significant direct effects of parenting styles, family emotional support, and cognitive flexibility on adolescent self-control (p < .05, effect size = .2). Rumination significantly mediated the relationships between these factors and self-control, underscoring its role within this dynamic.

The results indicate that fostering positive parenting styles, supportive family environments, and flexible cognitive abilities can enhance adolescent self-control, with reduced rumination serving as a beneficial mediator. This model highlights the potential of family-centered approaches in promoting adolescent self-regulation.

This study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between trauma exposure and suicidal ideation among adults in the United States.

Methods and Materials: 

A descriptive correlational design was used with a sample of 379 adult participants from the United States, selected based on the Krejcie and Morgan sampling table. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Life Events Checklist for DSM-5, and the Self-Compassion Scale. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis using SPSS-27, and structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS-21 were employed to analyze the data and evaluate the proposed mediation model.

Descriptive results indicated moderate levels of trauma exposure (M = 12.47, SD = 4.63), moderately high self-compassion (M = 81.35, SD = 13.92), and low to moderate suicidal ideation (M = 8.23, SD = 5.41). Trauma exposure was positively correlated with suicidal ideation (r = .48, p < .001) and negatively correlated with self-compassion (r = −.41, p < .001). Self-compassion was negatively correlated with suicidal ideation (r = −.52, p < .001). SEM results confirmed that self-compassion significantly mediated the relationship between trauma exposure and suicidal ideation (indirect effect: β = −0.16, p < .01), with model fit indices indicating a good overall fit (χ²/df = 2.35, CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.059).

The findings suggest that self-compassion plays a significant protective role in reducing suicidal ideation among individuals exposed to trauma. Interventions aimed at enhancing self-compassion may serve as effective strategies to mitigate the psychological effects of trauma and reduce suicide risk in diverse adult populations.

 This study aims to explore the mediating roles of perceived social support and mindfulness in the relationship between psychological hardiness and distress tolerance among university students.

Methods and Materials:

 This correlational study used structural equation modeling to examine the relationships among psychological hardiness, distress tolerance, perceived social support, and mindfulness. A sample of 332 undergraduate and graduate students was selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires, including the Psychological Hardiness Inventory, Distress Tolerance Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS and AMOS software, with Maximum Likelihood estimation employed for path analysis.

Path analysis revealed significant direct and indirect relationships between psychological hardiness and distress tolerance. Psychological hardiness demonstrated a strong total effect on distress tolerance (β = 0.420, p < 0.001), with significant direct effects mediated by mindfulness (β = 0.324, p < 0.001) and perceived social support (β = 0.293, p < 0.001). Mindfulness significantly influenced distress tolerance (β = 0.273, p < 0.001), while perceived social support exhibited the strongest direct effect on distress tolerance (β = 0.418, p < 0.001). Indirect pathways further highlighted the mediating roles of mindfulness and perceived social support in enhancing the relationship between hardiness and distress tolerance.

The findings underscore the importance of both internal resources, such as mindfulness, and external resources, such as perceived social support, in fostering distress tolerance among students. These results suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing psychological hardiness should incorporate strategies to strengthen mindfulness practices and social support networks to effectively improve students' emotional coping capacities.

 The primary objective of this study was to develop and validate a structural model of marital satisfaction among married women, based on self-differentiation, critical thinking, and emotional self-regulation, with happiness as a mediating variable.
Methods and Materials: This study utilized a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design with a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. The sample comprised married women who visited the counseling centers at the University of Tehran between January 2023 and August 2023. A total of 330 participants were selected using convenience sampling. Data were collected using validated questionnaires, including the Self-Differentiation Scale, Critical Thinking Questionnaire, Emotional Self-Regulation Scale, Oxford Happiness Questionnaire, and ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale. The data were analyzed using SEM to assess the model's fit and test the hypothesized relationships between variables.

 The results indicated that the proposed structural model fit the data well, with satisfactory model fit indices (χ²/df = 3.618, RMSEA = .061, CFI = .923). Self-differentiation (β = .217, p = .033), critical thinking (β = .230, p = .01), and emotional self-regulation (β = .201, p = .01) had significant direct effects on marital satisfaction. Additionally, happiness significantly mediated the relationships between self-differentiation (β = .229, p = .01), critical thinking (β = .178, p = .01), and emotional self-regulation (β = .200, p = .01) with marital satisfaction.

 This study underscores the importance of self-differentiation, critical thinking, and emotional self-regulation as key factors influencing marital satisfaction among married women. The mediating role of happiness highlights its significance in enhancing marital satisfaction by fostering positive emotions and reducing stress.

 The objective of this study was to develop a structural model for predicting psychological well-being based on mindfulness, with the mediating role of resilience, in women on the verge of divorce in Isfahan.

Methods and Materials: 

This research utilized a descriptive, correlational approach with structural equation modeling (SEM) as the primary analytical technique. The statistical population included all women who visited counseling centers in Isfahan in 2022. A sample of 302 participants was selected based on Morgan's table. The data were collected using standardized questionnaires, including Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale, the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ), and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). The model’s fit was assessed using Amos-24 software after verifying the assumptions of normality, missing data, and outliers.

 The findings demonstrated that mindfulness is significantly related to psychological well-being in women, with resilience playing a significant mediating role in this relationship. The structural model showed a good fit with the data, with mindfulness explaining 33.2% of the variance in resilience and both mindfulness and resilience together explaining 82.5% of the variance in psychological well-being. The direct effect of mindfulness on psychological well-being was significant, as was the indirect effect mediated by resilience.

 The study concludes that mindfulness is a strong predictor of psychological well-being in women on the verge of divorce, and resilience significantly mediates this relationship. The findings suggest that enhancing mindfulness and resilience could be effective strategies for improving psychological well-being in this population.

 The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of environmental factors on hope for life in divorced women.

Methods and Materials: 

This research employed a quantitative, applied design. The population consisted of divorced women living in Zanjan, Iran, from which a sample of 250 participants was selected using convenience sampling. Data collection was conducted using a researcher-made questionnaire, designed to measure key environmental factors such as family support, governmental support, social support, and media education, in relation to hope for life. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability, while validity was established through convergent and discriminant validity. Data analysis was performed using SEM with Smart PLS4 software, and various fit indices, such as the Goodness of Fit (GOF) and Standardized Root Mean Square Residual (SRMR), were evaluated.

 The results demonstrated that environmental factors significantly impacted hope for life in divorced women, with 93% of the variance in hope for life explained by the model. Specifically, family and social support were found to have strong positive effects on hope for life, while the role of governmental support was also significant but to a lesser extent. Media education, however, did not play a significant moderating role in the model. The SRMR value of 0.077 indicated an acceptable model fit, and the overall GOF of 0.539 confirmed the strength of the structural model.

 This study highlights the importance of social and family support in enhancing hope for life among divorced women. Although media education did not show a significant effect, the findings underscore the need for policy interventions and community-based support systems to address the economic and psychological challenges faced by divorced women, improving their overall life satisfaction and well-being.

This study aimed to investigate the mediating role of theory of mind (ToM) in the relationship between executive dysfunction and marital burnout. 

Methods and Materials: 

The study employed a descriptive-correlational design with a sample of 300 married women from counseling centers in Tehran. Data were collected using the Barkley Deficits in Executive Functioning Scale, the Baron-Cohen Theory of Mind Questionnaire, and the Pines Couple Burnout Measure. To analyze the data, structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the direct and indirect relationships between variables, and artificial neural networks (ANN) were employed to explore nonlinear and interactive effects. 

The results showed a significant positive relationship between executive dysfunction and marital burnout, as well as a significant negative relationship between ToM and marital burnout. Mediation analysis revealed that ToM partially mediated the relationship between executive dysfunction and marital burnout. Both SEM and ANN analyses confirmed the robustness of the relationships between executive functions, ToM, and marital burnout, with executive dysfunction emerging as the strongest predictor of marital burnout. 

The findings suggest that impairments in executive functions contribute to marital burnout both directly and indirectly by affecting ToM. Interventions aimed at improving executive functions and ToM, such as mindfulness-based programs and cognitive-behavioral therapies, may help reduce the risk of marital burnout. These results underscore the importance of cognitive and social processes in understanding and addressing relationship dissatisfaction and emotional exhaustion in marriages.

Academic procrastination is a common issue among students that significantly impacts their educational outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of childhood trauma on academic procrastination and examine the mediating role of identity crisis among female high school students in Karaj, Iran. This research aimed to elucidate the complex interrelationships between personal trauma, identity development, and educational behaviors.

Methods and Materials: 

The study utilized a descriptive correlational design, employing structural equation modeling to analyze the data. A total of 384 female high school students from Karaj participated in the study. Data were collected using standardized instruments, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the Identity Crisis Questionnaire, and various measures of academic procrastination related to different academic tasks. Statistical analysis was performed using SmartPLS to assess direct and indirect relationships among the variables.

The results revealed significant direct effects of childhood trauma on academic procrastination (β = .201, p < .001) and identity crisis (β = .290, p < .001). Furthermore, identity crisis significantly mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and academic procrastination (indirect effect β = .091, p < .001). These findings underscore the profound influence of early adverse experiences and identity struggles on academic behaviors.

The study concludes that childhood trauma and identity crisis are significant predictors of academic procrastination. Identity crisis mediates the impact of childhood trauma on procrastination, suggesting that interventions addressing both psychological healing and identity development could be beneficial in reducing procrastinatory behaviors among students.

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and social anxiety disorder (SAD) among university students, with a specific focus on the mediating role of cognitive emotion regulation (CER).

A cross-sectional design was employed, involving 367 university students from Islamic Azad University, Lahijan, Iran, during the academic year 2023-2024. Data were collected using validated self-report measures, including the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (CERQ), and the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the direct and indirect effects of childhood trauma on SAD, with CER as a mediating variable.

The results indicated a significant positive relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and SAD. Furthermore, CER was found to play a significant mediating role in this relationship, with maladaptive CER strategies, such as rumination and self-blame, exacerbating the effects of childhood trauma on SAD. Conversely, adaptive CER strategies, such as positive reappraisal and acceptance, were found to mitigate the impact of childhood trauma, reducing the severity of SAD symptoms.

The findings highlight the critical role of CER in mediating the relationship between childhood trauma and SAD. These results suggest that interventions targeting CER strategies may be particularly effective in reducing social anxiety symptoms in individuals with a history of childhood trauma. The study underscores the importance of early intervention and culturally sensitive approaches in treating SAD among university students.

The current study was undertaken with the aim of formulating a model for the dimensions of succession in primary school principals through the application of structural equation modeling.

The present study utilized a mixed research design, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative phase employed thematic analysis, while the quantitative phase employed survey methodology. The qualitative sample consisted of units of analysis from Nahj al-Balagheh and experts in religious sciences in this particular field. In contrast, the quantitative sample comprised principals from secondary schools in Tehran. Data collection in the qualitative phase was conducted through interviews with experts, while the quantitative phase gathered information through the use of a questionnaire.

The findings revealed the dimensions of succession among school principals as derived from the teachings of Nahj al-Balagheh. These dimensions encompass social capabilities, creative management, specialized capabilities, managerial capabilities, effective management within a meritocratic system, personality traits, and motivation. Furthermore, the model derived from the qualitative data was subjected to testing through structural equation modeling, demonstrating a favorable fit with the data.

The findings of this study offer valuable insights to senior education managers in the selection process for primary school principals, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of management skills among this group.

The aim of the current research was to test the structural model of the relationships of knowledge management components in universities (Qom province universities) using structural equation modeling. The present study is an applied and correlation research. Participants were 247 faculty members of universities in Qom province selected via random sampling. The results of the model test showed that the effect of knowledge-oriented organizational culture, strategic planning of knowledge management, infrastructure of information and communication technology and knowledge manpower on knowledge management processes is positive and significant. The effect of knowledge management processes on knowledge-based human resource management, knowledge identification and goal setting, and knowledge team building is positive and significant. The effect of weakness in knowledge management rules and lack of motivation of employees and professors on knowledge-based human resource management, knowledge identification and goal setting, and knowledge team building is negative and significant. The effect of organizational structure and individual characteristics of employees and professors on knowledge-based human resource management, knowledge identification and goal setting, and knowledge team building is positive and significant. Finally, the impact of knowledge-based human resource management, knowledge-based identification and goal-setting and knowledge-based team building on knowledge-based universities, improving university performance, and improving individual performance is positive and significant. Findings can be used to improve knowledge management in universities.